I love my coffee just as much as the next person …but I really find ‘coffee snobs’ hard to swallow; they are popping up everywhere and are just as bad as the know-it-all wine snob. I really don’t care whether it’s plunged, perked, dripped or instant…as long as it is hot strong and not-too-milky.
Which brings me to my point…. when IS it ok to complain about a bad one, without sounding like a complete tosser?
Today I had the pleasure of meeting a friend for catch up and coffee at a cafe in her workplace … It was made even better when she offered to shout…( I should have suspected something when she opted for a cold drink instead). So, there we were settled into our conversation and I took my first sip… eeek… watery and very very odd flavour. I just smiled and we continued to talk as I felt awkward that: (a) she has paid for it …and (b) I hate to complain (and sound like a tosser).
So…I persevered for 2 more mouthfuls until it all became TOO much…The vile after-taste had me imagining that I was about to succumb to some sort of bizarre toxicity and be rushed off to the local hospital ( and THAT wasn’t a good option – I know because I work there).
I eventually fess up and tell my friend that it is god awful, and she laughed saying “that’s why no-one buys coffee here”. (LOL thanks Karen).
I decided to brave it and tell the barista…BUT… given the crowd and my ‘vocal challenges’, it just all became too hard …so I binned it !! (and left feeling bad for the next victim)…. BUT I am happy to report that I’m 50 something and (still) not dead yet despite my ordeal.
Wonder Years 
Ha ha he he (read that as lots of laughing)
Oh dear …well you aren’t no coffee snob…I will always wonder what they would have said.
A barista …I don’t think they have ever been called that before.
So sorry dear friend…but it was good to see you.
Maybe somewhere different next time.
no apology needed … lol.
It was completely worth it for the experience…and great to see you too 😉